Pick Me Up! 26-Apr-2018

I’d like to nominate my best friend Lauren Ford, 26. My beautiful best friend has been there for me through one of the hardest times in my life and I can’t thank her enough. We’ve been inseparable for seven years and she’s practically a sister to me. She’s stood by me through thick and thin and helps those around her. After a car accident and collapsing down the stairs, I was diagnosed with severe nerve damage. I couldn’t walk at all and was completely devastated. Lauren stood by me from day one, stayed with me on the day I was admitted to hospital and visited every day after that. She was my rock when I needed her to be. Her bubbly personality puts a smile on everybody’s face and I…

Just look at my little scarecrow! All dressed up for World Book Day. Shelley Barrett, Sheffield There was something not quite right about this zebra at the zoo, but we couldn’t put our finger on it… Vivian Acheson, Rochester My daughter loved looking around this Roman amphitheatre in Amman, Jordan, on holiday recently. Rebecca Lunt, London Ashton loved his visit to the park this week. The swing is definitely his favourite – just look at that smile! Ellen Warren, West Midlands It’s not often we get to eat at the Savoy, but this evening we did! Jessica Ward, via e-mail I climbed up the Sydney Harbour Bridge – it was a fantastic view before I came back down to earth! Donna Gray, Cleveland Erm… Lucas… There’s something behind you! It…

I’d never felt love like it. I drank in every bit of him After I gave one last, exhausted push, the nurse placed baby Ethan on my chest. ‘He’s beautiful!’ I sobbed. Cuddling my newborn, I’d never felt love like it. I drank in every bit of him - his button nose, mop of red hair, blue eyes -8lb 2oz of perfection. I’d become pregnant at the end of a short relationship and his dad wasn’t around. I’d be a young, single mum, but I couldn’t wait. My mum Julie, then 50, had helped me decorate the nursery in sunshine yellow. When Ethan and I came home, I took to motherhood like a duck to water. Ethan was a dream, sleeping through by six weeks, happy, with a cheeky grin.…

It’s not seedy, we’re all in love with each other… Approaching my hubby Buddy, I felt sick with nerves. What I was about to say would probably change our relationship forever... We’d been together since we were 18, got married in June 2010 and, that same year, our son Owen was born, followed by James, two years later. Our sex life was great, too. But I was falling for someone. My ex Lauren. I’d dated girls, as well as boys, before settling down and Lauren had got in touch with me on Facebook. She’d visited, got on really well with Buddy and the boys and she’d become a fixture in our lives. But the chemistry was still there and I had to admit to myself that I no longer saw…

Help for mums When you have a child, costs can add up. So check out topcashback.co.uk – new members to the site can get up to £16 cashback at Mothercare until 29 April. There are also cashback deals for certain theme parks. Going nuts Kind snack bars have delicious, high-quality ingredients, while also being rich with wholesome nutty goodness. They’re only 99p in Tesco (usually £1.29) until 11 May. Spice boost Curcumin, found in the the spice turmeric, has been used for a myriad of health problems, including joint pain. You can get 25% off Bioglan Active Curcumin (RRP £24.99) until 26 April when bought at bioglan.co.uk Mine’s a wine I Heart Rosé is a fresh and fruity rosé that’s bursting with the flavours of red berries and has a…

All tied up Whether you’re moving house or just changing your wardrobe around, keep your clothes on hangers, place in drawstring bags and voila! No wardrobe worries. Zowie D’Souza, Southampton No ice-cream chaos Cut a slit in a cupcake case and slide it under your child’s ice lolly, for mess- and hassle-free ice-cream enjoyment. Gemma Davies, Gloucester Bright idea! Make your own novelty lamp using an old coffee jar, battery fairy lights, and an old picture or card cut up. The perfect night light for your little ones. Tina Williams, via e-mail Stainless steal! Fight troublesome sweat stains on your clothes by rubbing lemon juice on the area before washing – lemony-fresh and effective! Angela Garvin, Romford Pint-sized palette Make your kids feel like the next Picasso by glueing bottle…